Album Review: Fluisteraars – Dromers

WarpRider – I don’t think I could tell you what they are saying, but that’s beside the point. Their three songs at 35 minutes offer more than some full-length albums I have listened to this year (2013). They have an Opeth feel rooted in their sound which I like, but the vocals seem too low. They have a knack for the long song, but break them up into cool varying parts keeping it all very interesting. 4.0

Atleastimhousebroken – This could have been an amazing album with some editing. Great moods, riffs, and atmosphere but it too often takes waaaaay to long to get somewhere or just gets lost meandering in some musical soundscape. At times it’s hypnotizing (in a good way) others it gets boring. These guys reminded me a lot of Moonsorrow without the folk elements. Unlike Moonsorrow, they really need a lot of work at creating long songs that keep the listener totally engaged throughout the whole. But damn, when this album hits hard, it hits really hard. I’d totally purchase a record from Fluisteraars if I got word that they refined their song structures/length a bit more. 3.0

Irmelinis – Fluisteraars (meaning whisperers) plays music that reminds me of Agalloch and Altar of Plagues, including some beautiful acoustic moments and sweeping compositions. An impressive debut, filled with mystical and accessible black metal which will surely please many people’s ears. It’s hypnotic and entrancing music with a very nice dynamic flow. 4.0

ChristopherMammal – When Fluisteraars whistle into the studio to record their full-length album, I would gently suggest they pay more attention to the sound balance and timbre. Sometimes the instruments are a little strident and blanket the vocals. I would also humbly suggest they either add more variety to their unusually long songs or break them down into more diverse but shorter songs. Otherwise, this is competent black metal, but not exceptional. 3.0